2017 LMP2 Testing Notebook: Performance Caps “Not On The Agenda”

Riley LMP2 to begin testing and Beaumesnil on LMP2 pace

LMP2 testing for all four chassis manufacturers is continuing apace with more and more information filtering through about the current levels of performance of the Gibson-engined LMP2s.

Further major test activity will continue into and through December.

DSC understands the Riley chassis is due to test imminently with the Gibson installed, this the last of the four to see track action.

Multiple sources are now confirming that the cars are already, even this early into the development programmes, showing significantly quicker lap times than the existing LMP2 cars with lap times 5-6 seconds faster than current LMP2s being reported by more than one chassis manufacturer, and straight line speeds around 350km/h (c.217 mph).

If accurate that equates to a potential lap time well under 3:30 at Le Mans.

Earlier reports elsewhere of a potential reeling in of the cars have been denied by ACO Sporting Director Vincent Beaumesnil.

“Testing has been positive in a number of ways, the cars are faster certainly, but they are reported by those that have driven them as being much easier to drive,” he told DSC. “Reducing their performance is not on the agenda.”

Testing for at least one of the manufacturers is understood to regularly involve the inclusion of non-Pro drivers on the test team.